A little lip color can go a long way in photographs. The right shade will brighten your complexion and give you an instantly pulled-together look.

Mascara is a must! If your makeup bag needs an update, check out these budget beauty buys.

Strike a flattering pose

If you're being photographed next to another person, angle your torso to face them slightly, creating a slimmer profile.

Standing up? Cross one of your legs in front of the other. This will give the illusion of longer legs and a leaner silhouette.

The famous "skinny arm" trick may be overused, but it works! Not only does putting a hand on your hip lengthen your arm, but it also forces you to stand up a little straighter.

Do you have long hair? Before the flash goes off, pull it forward from the base of your neck to the front of your shoulders -- it will look fuller and more voluminous.

And smile!

Turn your head slightly to camouflage asymmetry and capture a more flattering angle. (If you’re not in a natural position to turn to the side, tilt your face downwards instead. Think “chin down,” not up.)

For a genuine smile that doesn’t look forced, make yourself laugh by thinking of a funny story.

As the photographer counts aloud to three, close your eyes, opening them on three as the photo is snapped.

For a more natural expression, gaze at a spot slightly above the camera lens instead of directly into it.